Sedi Reiterates and Affirms His Position on The ICJ

Wilfred Elrington

Just before leaving for Washington and Mexico today, Elrington told News Five that Guatemala’s position on the Forward Operating Base was conveyed in a very civilized manner, through a diplomatic note from that country. Because that territory is indeed in dispute, the Foreign Minister says that going to the O.A.S. is the right thing to do.

Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“I don’t remember the details of the note. The position would normally be that matters which are very controversial and contentious may well have to wait until the matter is finally resolved at the ICJ, but certainly matters involving our internal security and the like are not matters that have to wait until we go to the ICJ. This is our country and we have to make sure that we take every step to secure it. They may not agree with what we want to do, and they have a right to not agree, but we also have a right to proceed to do what is in our best interests.”

Reporter

“Would you be able to give us a clear idea of what position Belize will be taking into this discussion with the O.A.S.?”

Wilfred Elrington

“Very simple! Very simple…that we need to make sure that we are protecting our territorial integrity and the safety, lives and wellbeing of our people, and if in fact it is indicated to us that down South in the Sarstoon area is an area where we are vulnerable, we are entitled as a sovereign nation to take the necessary steps to secure our position, to ensure that our country is safe and secure.”

Reporter

“If Belize goes to the O.A.S. with that position and Guatemala comes with its own position that this area is under dispute and we don’t believe that there should be any development of that area until we get to the ICJ…can you see that happening and what happens after that?”

Wilfred Elrington

“My own vision is that the Guatemalans who have been in my view quite amenable to discussing and acting upon reasonable conclusions would see the wisdom of what we are doing and to acquiesce to our proposal. I don’t anticipate that it is going to turn out to be a difficulty or problem, but if it turns out to be a difficulty or a problem, then it is for our National Security Council and our Cabinet to determine the way forward.”

Viewers please note: This Internet newscast is a verbatim transcript of our evening television newscast. Where speakers use Kriol, we attempt to faithfully reproduce the quotes using a standard spelling system.

3 Responses for “Sedi Reiterates and Affirms His Position on The ICJ”

I will not cast aspersions on Sedi’s character and accuse him of being a sell out. I will say though, that as far as Guatemala’s bullying tactics are concerned, the Foreign Minister comes across as a straight up Wussy. Cold talk!!